Ordinance to be reviewed

COLDWATER TOWNSHIP — Theresa Harvey amended her site plan and home business permit request for the May 28 Coldwater Township Planning Commission hearing.

She will have her silk flower and craft business inside her home at 181 N. Behnke Road instead of inside the neat brick building to the south side and front of her house.

Zoning Administrator Ron Patch explained current regulations require home businesses to be in the main house and not in non-attached structures.

Chairman Al Swain said to use the other buildings conflicts with was legal.

"This is to protect residents of the neighborhoods" zoned residential, he said. Otherwise, people could open garages and separate businesses, which could harm property values and create nuisances.Commissioner Scott Anderson said the small building with adequate parking would be perfect for Harvey’s business. He asked Patch to look at other zoning ordinances to see how the issue might be handled differently.

"We know what we like for the good ones," he said, but Anderson agreed allowing business in separate buildings and outside the home "opens a can of worms." Finding definitions and descriptions for what would be allowable would be difficult.

The commission will also hold a hearing in May on changes to its sign ordinance. One makes the address of a business as the front for the purpose of signage. It will also review limitations on signs for businesses along I-69 and to make sure they comply with federal regulations.